Research: In looking at numerous college websites and what they’re looking for in students, I came across one that outlines the myriad of skills that students will need in that environment…and only one involves academic preparation! The others include time management, stress management, money management, assertiveness skills, self-care, safety, self-advocacy, respect for rules/boundaries, and perseverance. See more detail here.
Practice: At Chrysalis we can work on many of these areas in the academic context; however, this highlights all that children have to learn outside of school before they leave the nest for college or any other endeavor. Summer is a great time to stretch the boundaries of your child’s independence by having them get involved with basic household chores, taking on projects to specifically develop any of these skill areas, and lovingly guiding them toward making positive choices.